About Zoe Macpherson - Myofascial Release Specialist

Zoe’s Ethos

“Every body holds an innate self healing ability and the potential for recovery. My role is to help unlock that potential, whether you’re overcoming pain, injury or surgery, or wanting to feel your best.”

I’m an experienced Myofascial Release, Remedial Massage and Scar Practitioner, working with adults and children across a wide range of physical health and wellbeing needs.

My approach combines skilled hands-on therapy, Myofascial Release and somatic bodywork with an understanding of how pain, stress, injury and life experiences can influence how we move and feel in our bodies. I draw on my training in chronic pain, pain science and nervous system regulation, alongside fascial rehabilitation, to help support greater comfort and ease of movement in your body.

I work with people experiencing chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, injury, surgical recovery, scar tissue, restricted movement and tension, as well as anyone wanting to feel mentally and physically better in themselves. I have particular interest and experience supporting women’s pelvic floor function, cancer recovery, children’s health, and clients whose physical symptoms are influenced by stress or persistent pain.

A healthcare background

Before becoming a bodywork practitioner, I spent more than two decades working in frontline healthcare as a Paediatric Dietitian, managing children’s cancer and surgical services, and teaching other professionals.

Working alongside adults and children through some of the most challenging periods of their lives taught me that healthcare is never simply about treating a physical symptom. Every person brings their own history, experiences, and hopes for recovery. This continues to shape the way I practise today – with curiosity, compassion and respect for each individual, rather than treating the body as a collection of symptoms.

My own experience of chronic pain has also deeply shaped the way I work. I understand what it is like to feel limited by your body, to search for answers and to want to feel yourself again. It has reinforced my belief that recovery is a deeply individual journey.

Why Myofascial Release?

I first qualified in Holistic Massage in 2012, before completing a Level 5 Diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage. As my clinical experience developed, I became increasingly interested in fascia, persistent pain and the relationship between movement, tissue and the nervous system.

Myofascial Release became a particular passion, leading me to undertake specialist training with Myofascial Release UK, including advanced training in axial skeleton, pelvic health, sport and performance, self-myofascial release and myofascial unwinding. My practice is informed by the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release, alongside my wider soft tissue therapy training.

I have also deepened my understanding of anatomy and fascia through human cadaveric dissection training in Cremona, Italy, alongside advanced study in fascia, pain science, rehabilitation and movement with international experts in the field.

I don’t believe there is one technique that works for everyone. I draw from different areas of my training to adapt treatment to how your body responds on the day. I want you to leave feeling you have been supported and helped to feel more comfort and less pain, with a better understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms and practical ways to support your progress between treatments.

Scar therapy & rehabilitation

I developed a particular interest in scar therapy and fascial rehabilitation and support people from eight weeks after surgery through to longer-term scar tissue rehabilitation. My training includes Restore Scar Therapy Practitioner Certification, Oncology Specialist Scar Training and further advanced study of scars, adhesions and functional integration.

Scar tissue can affect movement, sensation and the way surrounding tissues adapt. My aim is to help people understand their scars and enable better tissue mobility as part of their wider recovery. Alongside my colleague Becki, we provide a charity scar care service in person and online for anyone affected by cancer at Penny Brohn UK.

Sport & performance

Movement and sport have been an important part of my own life. I competed at a high level in rugby, mountain biking and martial arts, and I now train and compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

I love working with athletes who want to stay healthy, recover well and perform at their best. Depending on the individual, a treatment may incorporate myofascial release, sports massage, IASTM, cupping, medical acupuncture, manual lymphatic drainage and movement-based fascial rehabilitation.

Professional training & development

Myofascial Release & Scar Therapy

Integrated Hands On Therapy – Myofascial Release UK
Fascia Focused Human Dissection Retreat – National Training Centre, Italy
Fascia Training in Athletic Performance Mentorship – Fascia Training Academy
Scars and Adhesions and Functional Integration – with Robert Schleip
Fascial Rehabilitation for Sport and Performance Diploma – Myofascial Release UK
Diploma in Self Myofascial Release Therapy for Groups & Individuals (Distinction) – Myofascial Release UK
Advanced Axial Skeleton MFR – Myofascial Release UK
Advanced Pelvic Health MFR – Myofascial Release UK
Myofascial Unwinding – Myofascial Release UK
Upper Body MFR – Myofascial Release UK
Lower Limb MFR – Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork
Myofascial Release for the Foot and Ankle – Myofascial Release UK
Integrated Myofascial Release Levels 1–3 – Myofascial Release UK
Restore Scar Therapy Practitioner Certification – RESTORE Scar Therapy
Oncology Specialist Scar Training – RESTORE Scar Therapy
Understanding Scars Advanced Theory (in progress) – RESTORE Scar Therapy

Soft Tissue Therapy & Acupuncture

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – Core Elements Swindon
MTI Level 5 Diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage – Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork
MTI Diploma in Holistic Massage – Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork
MSK Dry Needling / Medical Acupuncture (Dip. MDN) – OMT Training
Core Elements Myofascial Dry Cupping – Core Elements
Kinesiology Taping (KT1/KT2) – Kinesiology UK
IASTM and Cupping Techniques – Myofascial Release UK

Pain Science & Trauma Informed Training

SIRPA Level 1 and Level 2 Chronic Pain Professional Training (ongoing) – SIRPA UK
Understanding Pain 2 Day Training – The Fascia Hub
Nervous System Regulation in Therapy – Peter Levine and Deb Dana (The Awake Network)

Clinical Nutrition

MSc in Human Nutrition – University of Nottingham
PgCert Sport and Exercise Nutrition – Coventry University
Professional Training (BDA) in Paediatric Dietetics – Paediatric Dietitians UK

Professional registration

Massage Training Institute

Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council

Myofascial Release UK

Restore Scar Therapist

Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners’ Association

OMT Training

Contact me

“Helping others is the greatest gift”

Please contact me directly if you would like to book or if you have any questions.

A Dennis

I had a very helpful scar therapy session with Zoe, post my breast cancer surgery and lymph node biopsy. The massage techniques I found particularly useful, as well as the suitable products to use on my scars.

Janet Thompson

Fantastic support. Provided specific ways to improve lymph drainage and improve scar tissue and movement. Without this support i would have been at a loss of how best to massage scar etc. Zoe was easy to talk to, very professional and understanding. Thank you

Rositsa Petkova

Great massage and sessions.

rose Jakeman

Zoe was lovely and I feel much more positive about my scar and how to help it heal well after speaking with her.

Rebecca Taylor

Zoe was wonderful with my 6 year old neurodivergent son. He's carrying some tension due to a tongue tie, mostly in his neck and shoulders. She was engaging, calm, patient, and worked at my son's speed as and when he was ready. Zoe provided a very child-centred approach. From the moment we arrived and throughout the appointment, she spoke with him directly and made him feel at ease. A lovely basket of toys helped him to settle in, and also gave him something to do and talk about with Zoe whilst the therapy was taking place. The therapy room is calm and relaxing, surrounded by beautiful gardens outside. My son has been moving and sleeping much better in the days since his treatment. Zoe also recommended some other types of therapies that may help, and provided the details of a myofunctional therapist after I struggled to find one. Since I initially contacted her she's been so kind, helpful and knowledgeable, and I'm really grateful. I really didn't know where to start. Zoe was the first person I contacted, and everything else has fallen into place. Thank you so much Zoe for getting us on the right path, it means I can help my daughter too. We will definitely be back to see you again.

Emily Nelmes

I had a wonderful treatment with Becki. She is so knowledgable and such a comforting, safe presence. My treatment did wonders for my nervous system. I am looking forward to my next session :)

Angela Cheetham Wilkinson

I embarked upon what I am hoping will be a journey of improvement with Zoe, over three years after head and neck cancer surgery. The surgeon described it as a ‘brutal 12 hours’ which I had fought my the way through. His expectation was that the surgery would ‘leave me traumatised’. Only weeks before I saw Zoe, the ever-tightening strangulation that I’d experienced since surgery was suggested to be Lymphoedema by a very nice, listening MacMillan nurse. I am bound to note here that many more health problems have emerged since that surgery. I mention this in fairness to Zoe who was faced with someone in considerable anxiety, unable to cope with the appointment without taking Morphine before, as well as wearing the usual patch. All anxiety left me the moment I met Zoe. I had just met a therapist with the skill of emanating a calming aura - simply on meeting a client! Due to my growing disabilities my much-loved husband, Simon, was with me and I could tell he was also with me in his response. Zoe and Simon helped me onto the couch and I was soon made comfortable with cushions. Simon sat on a comfy chair with the blessing of a beautiful garden view. I lay on the couch, whilst Zoe’s unbelievably gentle fingers, travelled inquisitively across areas of land beset by battles, struggles, fluid fighting its way up my head, down my face, round my eyes. Every little movement, every gentle touch of her fingers insisted the fluids stop messing about and relax. Honestly, I kid you not, every tiny lightest most gentle touch insisted I simply become yet more calm yet more relaxed. At one point I thought I had reverted to babyhood Of course I cannot declare physical improvement in chronic Lymphoedema and we haven’t even spoken about any other health conditions. What I can say is that I felt a greater sense of freedom, sense of self and told Simon that I was delighted by Zoe’s way of working and was ready for an extension of our outing at our favourite cafe. Thank you

Norma Hall

It was my first introduction to scar therapy and and Becki was incredibly helpful and informative. I have purchased the cream and rose-hip oil and have aimed to follow her instructions on how to treat my scar. Thank you very much Becki.

Claire Stackhouse

I've been having MFR with Zoe and have really benefited from the sessions, emotionally aswell as physically. Zoe radiates warmth and kindness and put me at ease straight away, creating a safe space for whatever may come up during the session. Thank you!

Janis Owen

I see Becki for a reiki session periodically. I find it relaxing when I am recovering after my monthly cancer treatment. I thoroughly recommend.